The Urban Institute receives funding from all levels of government to conduct research, evaluate programs, and offer technical assistance. We also receive philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, nonprofits, universities, and corporations that support our research, evidence-based policy development, and outreach and engagement.

The Urban Institute strives to meet the highest standards of integrity and quality in its research and analyses and in the evidence-based policy recommendations offered by its researchers and experts. We believe that operating consistent with the values of independence, rigor, and transparency is essential to maintaining those standards. As an organization, the Urban Institute does not take positions on issues but it does empower and support its experts in sharing their own evidence-based views and policy recommendations that have been shaped by scholarship. Funders do not determine our research findings or the insights and recommendations of our experts. Urban scholars and experts are expected to be objective and follow the evidence wherever it may lead.